Located on the far western side of the inland sea national park, off the north coast of the Kunisaki peninsula is Himeshima. The island is included as part of Oita prefecture in the northeastern part of the island of Kyushu in southwestern Japan . Himeshima is a small island of 6.78 square kilometers, comprising of one village of approximately 2,727 inhabitants.

It may be remote, but archaeological remains indicate that the island was home to one of the first human settlements in Japan . 2000 years ago trade between Himeshima and Japan probably played an important role in the history of Japan . Stone Age tools made from Himeshima’s obsidian have been discovered as far away as the Kansai region, raising speculation that the island was some sort of obsidian mine in the Stone Age. Due to its strategic position, Himeshima has been used as a stop over point or a hiding place during the many battles between rival feudal clans at the beginning of the Meiji era.

“An Island packed with tradition and poetic expression”

Sites of interest: [Location] [Origin] [Obon Festival] [Industry]

[Seven Wonders] [Kosho Residence] [Lighthouse] [Poetry]

[Designated Natural Elements] [Festivals] [Parks] [Funahiki festival]

[Traditional Japanese Dances of Japan] [Home]

　

Himeshima Statistics:

Circumference: 17.0km

Surface Area: 6.78km

Population: 2,727 (2001 census)

Himeshima, Oita

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Click to enlarge, Seto Inland Sea
Click to Enlarge - Himeshima, Oita